Comprehensive 8-Day Budget-Friendly Student Itinerary Across Spain: Malaga, Granada, Seville, Madrid, and Barcelona

Day 1: Explore Malaga

Malaga, Spain on June 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Panaderia Casa del Pan

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee with a student-budget-friendly menu to start your day energised in Malaga.
EUR4, 1h

9:30AM

Picasso Museum

Explore the life and masterpieces of Pablo Picasso in his birthplace museum, appreciating modern art at a budget price.
EUR9, 1.5h

11:15AM

Centre Pompidou Malaga

Visit the vibrant Centre Pompidou with contemporary artworks and installations – an affordable dose of modern culture.
EUR9, 1h

12:30PM

Lunch at El Tapeo de Cervantes

Dive into authentic Andalusian tapas in this local hotspot known for value and tasty dishes.
EUR12, 1.5h

2:15PM

Roman Theatre

Walk to the nearby ancient Roman Theatre ruins, an impressive reminder of Malaga's rich past.
EUR3, 45m

3:15PM

Visit Alcazaba Fortress

Tour the Moorish fortress overlooking Malaga with beautiful gardens and city views, combining history and nature.
EUR3, 2h

5:30PM

Stroll Muelle Uno Harbour

Relax and people-watch at this lively waterfront promenade filled with shops and affordable street food options.
Free, 1.5h

7:30PM

Dinner at Restaurante El Pimpi

Savor traditional Andalusian cuisine in a vibrant Andalusian setting with affordable menu options.
EUR15, 1.5h

9:30PM

Evening Walk to Gibralfaro Castle

Climb up to the castle for panoramic night views of Malaga’s illuminated skyline; sunset and after-dark views are magical and free.
Free, 1.5h
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Day 2: Discover Granada

Granada, Spain on June 26, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Café Central

Fuel up with a traditional Spanish breakfast including coffee and tostada before your travel and sightseeing day.
EUR6, 1h

9:00AM

Bus to Granada

Enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour bus ride from Malaga to Granada, giving you a glimpse of Andalusian countryside.
EUR10, 1.5h

10:30AM

Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens

Prebook your tickets to explore the breathtaking Alhambra’s palaces, Islamic art, and serene gardens. Essential visit in Granada.
EUR14, 3h

2:00PM

Lunch at Bodegas Castañeda

Dine in a lively wine cellar offering great tapas at student-friendly prices with local specialties.
EUR12, 1.5h

3:45PM

Albaicín Neighborhood

Explore the narrow streets and whitewashed houses of Albaicín, Granada’s Moorish quarter with rich ambiance and amazing viewpoints.
Free, 2h

6:00PM

Sacromonte Caves Museum

Visit the museum revealing the unique cave dwellings and flamenco culture of Granada’s Sacromonte district.
EUR6, 1h

7:15PM

Mirador de San Nicolás Sunset

Watch the sunset with an unmatched view of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada mountains—an unforgettable free experience.
Free, 1h

8:30PM

Dinner at Restaurante Ruta del Azafrán

End your day with delectable Andalusian-Moorish fusion dishes at moderate prices in a cozy setting.
EUR18, 1.5h
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Day 3: Seville Arrival & Sites

Seville, Spain on June 27, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Café 4 Gatos

Enjoy coffee and freshly baked goods at this artsy café to jumpstart your day.
EUR5, 1h

9:00AM

Bus to Seville

Travel comfortably by bus from Granada to Seville, about 3 hours, for the next leg of your trip.
EUR10, 3h

12:30PM

Lunch at El Rinconcillo

Experience authentic Andalusian tapas at Seville’s oldest tapas bar with student-friendly prices and portions.
EUR13, 1.5h

2:15PM

Seville Cathedral & Giralda Tower

Visit the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and climb the Giralda for panoramic Seville views, offering student discounts.
EUR12, 2h

4:30PM

Barrio Santa Cruz

Get lost wandering through the romantic, narrow streets of Seville’s historic Jewish quarter filled with hidden plazas.
Free, 1.5h

6:15PM

Plaza de España Discovery

Visit the stunning and vast Plaza de España with its beautiful tile work, bridges, and canal, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Free, 1.5h

8:00PM

Dinner at La Azotea

Dine on affordable contemporary tapas with a youthful vibe in this popular Seville eatery.
EUR20, 1.5h
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Day 4: More Seville Exploration

Seville, Spain on June 28, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Cacharrería

Start with fresh juices, coffees, and innovative toasts in this cozy and popular café.
EUR6, 1h

9:30AM

Real Alcázar of Seville

Delve deeper into this UNESCO-listed palace with stunning Islamic and Mudéjar architecture and serene gardens.
EUR12, 2h

11:45AM

Metropol Parasol (Setas de Sevilla)

Climb the wooden structure offering unique urban views and appreciate its innovative architecture.
EUR5, 1h

1:00PM

Lunch at Casa Morales

Relish classic tapas and local wines in this traditional Seville tavern at reasonable prices.
EUR10, 1.5h

2:45PM

Museo de Bellas Artes

Immerse yourself in Spanish art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century at this affordable museum.
EUR8, 1.5h

4:30PM

Explore Triana District

Cross the Isabel II bridge to Triana, a neighborhood famous for ceramics, flamenco culture, and street markets.
Free, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner & Flamenco at La Carbonería

Enjoy traditional Andalusian dishes followed by live and free flamenco performances in this local hotspot.
EUR18, 2h
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Day 5: Heading to Madrid

Madrid, Spain on June 29, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Bar El Comercio

Savor churros and thick hot chocolate for an energy boost before your train to Madrid.
EUR5, 1h

9:00AM

AVANT Train to Madrid

Catch a high-speed AVANT train to Madrid, saving travel time and arriving rested.
EUR40, 2.5h

11:30AM

Lunch at El Tigre

Experience massive tapas servings at exceptionally affordable prices in the heart of Madrid.
EUR10, 1.5h

1:30PM

Museo del Prado

Visit one of the world’s premier art museums featuring classics by Velázquez and Goya. Free entry after 6pm.
EUR15, 2h

3:45PM

Retiro Park & Crystal Palace

Relax in Retiro Park and admire the scenic Crystal Palace, a peaceful green oasis in central Madrid.
Free, 1.5h

5:30PM

Puerta del Sol & Plaza Mayor

Stroll through these iconic and lively public squares reflecting the buzzing heart of Madrid city life.
Free, 1.5h

7:30PM

Dinner at Café de Chinitas

Taste traditional Spanish cuisine paired with live flamenco in an intimate setting at reasonable prices.
EUR20, 2h
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Day 6: Madrid Art & Culture

Madrid, Spain on June 30, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Casa de las Torrijas

Treat yourself to typical Spanish French toast and coffee in this local café favored by students.
EUR5, 1h

9:30AM

Royal Palace of Madrid

Tour Spain’s largest palace with opulent chambers and beautiful gardens; student discounts available.
EUR15, 2h

11:45AM

Mercado de San Miguel

Sample diverse tapas and local delicacies from multiple stalls offering affordable options.
EUR12, 1.5h

1:30PM

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Admire an impressive art collection with works spanning centuries, including impressionist and modern art.
EUR13, 1.5h

3:30PM

Churros at Chocolatería San Ginés

Refuel with Madrid’s famous churros dipped in thick chocolate at an iconic and budget-friendly spot.
EUR4, 30m

4:00PM

Malasaña Neighborhood

Explore this bohemian district full of street art, shops, and vintage stores, perfect for student explorers.
Free, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Casa Lucio

Try Madrid’s signature dish, huevos rotos, in a cozy popular restaurant with reasonable pricing.
EUR18, 1.5h
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Day 7: Travel to Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain on July 1, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Granja Viader

Enjoy classic Catalan breakfast classics like churros and café con leche at a local favorite.
EUR6, 1h

8:30AM

Train to Barcelona

Hop on the high-speed train for a 3-hour scenic route across northern Spain to vibrant Barcelona.
EUR40, 3h

12:00PM

Lunch at La Paradeta

Savor affordable fresh seafood served in a casual, pick-your-own style eatery popular with locals and students.
EUR12, 1.5h

1:30PM

La Sagrada Familia

Marvel at Gaudí’s iconic basilica famed for its unique architecture; pre-purchased timed entry advised.
EUR26, 2h

3:45PM

Park Güell

Discover colorful mosaics, whimsical architecture, and stunning views at Gaudí’s famous park; book tickets in advance.
EUR10, 1.5h

5:30PM

Gothic Quarter Tour

Enjoy walking through the narrow alleys rich with history, street performers, and charming shops in Barcelona’s Gothic area.
Free, 2h

8:00PM

Dinner at Bodega La Palma

Taste local Catalan dishes and affordable tapas in a welcoming atmosphere favored by young travelers.
EUR15, 1.5h
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Day 8: Explore Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain on July 2, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Chök

Indulge in delicious and budget-friendly donuts, coffee, and breakfast treats at this trendy café.
EUR8, 1h

9:30AM

Casa Batlló

Explore Gaudí’s fairy-tale building with its colorful façade and surreal interior; book tickets online for discounts.
EUR25, 1.5h

11:15AM

Passeig de Gràcia Shopping & Architecture

Stroll along Barcelona’s boulevard to admire Modernist buildings and browse affordable boutiques and vintage stores.
Free, 1.5h

1:00PM

Lunch at Ciudad Condal

Sample diverse and reasonably priced tapas at this popular restaurant well-known among locals and travelers.
EUR13, 1.5h

2:45PM

Montjuïc Castle and Gardens

Take public transport or cable car up to Montjuïc for panoramas of the city, visits to gardens, and a historic fortress.
EUR5, 2h

5:00PM

Poble Espanyol

Explore this open-air architectural museum showcasing diverse Spanish regional culture and crafts, some pricing discounts offered.
EUR12, 1.5h

7:00PM

Magic Fountain Light Show

Watch the evening water, light, and music show at the Magic Fountain; free and very popular, best viewed before dinner.
Free, 1h

8:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Cervecería Catalana

Celebrate your final night in Spain with diverse, affordable tapas at one of Barcelona’s favorite bars among students.
EUR18, 2h
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